HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is moving forward with improvements to the Paumalu Stream Bridge in order to lift weight restrictions as soon as possible. The bridge is on Kamehameha Highway, located between Paumalu Place and Ke Nui Road, near Sunset Beach. Damage to the concrete support columns was discovered during a recent inspection prompting the weight limit to be reduced from 25 to 15 tons. A temporary structure beneath the bridge will take the load off the columns and help support the bridge. The work is anticipated to be finished in two months, weather permitting.

In the interim the HDOT is modifying the current weight limit restrictions on the Paumalu Stream Bridge to accommodate commercial vehicles. One vehicle up to 25 tons will be allowed to conditionally cross the bridge at a time. If a vehicle weighing between 15 – 25 tons is crossing the bridge, other vehicles between 15 – 25 tons must stop and wait for that vehicle to pass before proceeding. If traffic is backed up and stopped on the bridge, vehicles weighing more than 15 tons must wait until traffic is moving again before entering the bridge. All vehicles weighing more than 25 tons are prohibited at all times.

Portable signs will be posted in the area alerting motorists of the conditional weight regulations. Drivers must be mindful of the modified weight restrictions. If violators are observed HDOT will revert to the 15 ton weight limit at all times.

The bridge will be inspected every two weeks until the temporary improvements are complete. The speed limit over the bridge remains 25 miles per hour. Access for emergency vehicles will remain normal.

The work schedule for the temporary improvements is being finalized. Motorists should be advised single lane closures will be necessary. In an effort to finish quickly some full closures may be necessary during nights and/or weekends. HDOT will alert the public of lane closures through the HDOT roadwork website at: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/